Hollande tells pope France defends religious freedom

French president calls on Vatican to receive Syrian opposition

(ANSAmed) - ROME, JANUARY 24 - French President Francois
Hollande on Friday said after an audience at the Vatican with
Pope Francis that he 'confirmed to the pontiff that France
defends religious freedom everywhere. It is the homeland of
human rights and freedom of conscience'.

bHollande added: 'We share the same determination against all
anti-religious acts that can be committed, without distinction,
most of all in places of worship'. He also stressed that 'laity
permits dialogue with all religions'.

Hollande also discussed the situation in Syria with the
pontiff and asked him to receive a delegation of the Syrian
opposition Coalition. 'I expressed to the pontiff the hope that
the Vatican will welcome the Syrian democratic coalition to make
clear that peace is reached through a pluralistic political
solution', the president told reporters in Rome after meeting
the pope. 'Geneva 2 must lead to a transition', he said.